Information and commentary about the struggle for democracy in the African kingdom of Swaziland

Monday, October 28, 2013

PUDEMO BACKS CRITICAL ELECTION REPORT

The People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), the
best known of Swaziland’s banned pro-democracy groups, has welcomed a report
from a Commonwealth mission calling
for the kingdom to democratise.

The Commonwealth Observer Mission observed the national
election held in Swaziland in September and said they were not entirely
credible.

In a report, the group called for the constitution to be
reviewed and for the influence in political affairs of King Mswati III, who
rules as an absolute monarch, to be reduced.

PUDEMO in a statement said, ‘It has validated our
position and critique to say we can`t talk of credibility, fairness and
democracy for a process which does not allow for political parties, separation
of powers, freedom of the media, gender equity and democracy as a modern
standard.’

PUDEMO was among a number of groups and individuals that
boycotted the election held on 20 September 2013 under a political system known
as ‘Tinkhundla’.

Politcal parties were banned from taking part and the
people were only permitted to select 55 of the 65 members of the House of Assembly.
King Mswati appointed the remaining 10. None of the 30 members of the Senate
House are elected by the people. The House of Assembly elects 10 and the other
20 are appointed by the king.

PUDEMO said, ‘We are happy that our arguments and
position on the elections has been vindicated and shall stand the test of time
as long as the elections are held under the undemocratic, discredited and
condemned Tinkhundla system of governance.’